almost masters degree. Left early due to financial situation.

Skate

Skateboarding

Movies

Museums

City life

Dogs are cool.

Batman

Making cool stuff

Graphic Designer/Illustrator

Versatility.  Thats one thing i am strong with. Though I have developed a unique personal style, I pride myself in being able to work easily between different techniques and mediums and basically being a one-stop art guy that keeps things fresh while avoiding the risk of looking redundant or familiar.  Whatever the project needs.

Design is an obsession of mine, and with that I've grown to have a meticulous attention to detail, not only in my work but in everything life has to offer up.  Design to me is a mystery or a puzzle that may be unlocked if concentrated on and scrutinized with enough.  Effective and successful design is one of the fundamentals and keys of life, in my opinion.  From a toothbrush to a DaVinci to a human body, design is usually key above all.

I thrive on deadlines, and see each one with a personal determination that must always be met.  They provide structure and discipline to me and that can be a rare commodity at times with being an artist.  I have found them to be close friends.

Communication is key to a productive environment, in my opinion.  I strive to bring ample discussion between colleagues and customers alike, maintaining a malleable opinion that is always keeping an open mind to other solutions.  Its a team after all, and works best when it is constantly evolving and breathing together in concert and a lot of that springs from an encouragement of and openness to communication as a whole.  Taking direction and working with a team that is focused on the same goal is a strong suit of mine.

Process in general is very much a fundamental to me--being a key component of design itself--and I understand that success also comes from knowing and understanding that the process is usually the best part and to be patient at times even if you are excited. The process is a journey, and im here for the ride too, not just the destination.

Keeping current on trends and having a knack for making cool stuff that sells well, thats a constant goal, but you must also strive to predict and even create trends.  Thats the real goal.

personal note:
Born in Southern California but having moved around a lot, i have been a skateboarder all my life; it was something I loved and immersed in and helped me make friends wherever i went, and have always wanted to contribute to the culture that gave me so much and maybe even make my own mark on it in my own unique way.  As an avid artist, I knew I could find a way to be part of the bigger picture.  In the five years since I started working in the industry, I've designed hundreds of skateboard decks and art for assorted apparel, and I can actually say I am manifesting my dream from when I was just a kid with hopes down the line. I grew up always wanting to be involved with the art side of the industry and I've honed all my talents up until now to do just that: artwork for true skateboarders and skateboarding.   I'm willing to do what it takes to be a part of a serious team of like-minded individuals who take pride in what they do.  i have the passion, skill, drive, and potential about this, our sport, that will take me to the next level and beyond, but also bear in mind that i am willing and dedicated to merely be a part of something bigger and take that company to the next level as well.  I want to be a solid part of a team that I respect and believe in and vice versa.  Going to an office and working with like-minded people that communicate well and really get creativity flowing together and foster a creative culture that not only uplifts the brand but the skateboarding culture at large, thats the dream.

Graphic design and art for dozens of decks and apparel, tech packs, online/social promotional material.

Worked as a team under the brand manger and product developer.  Took direction as well as brought on for my insight and original ideas.

Seasonal products and drops across each year.  Deadlines always met, usually with time to spare.


Freelance skateboard design for: MaxALLURE, High School Dropout, Neighborhood, Plan B, 5th Ave., Ultra, Civilized, Lowland Kings, Por Favor.

Freelance apparel design for:  Truecooks, JSLV, Gnarly Clothing, Spliff All-Stars, B.O.T.H., others

Freelance Cover/Print Media design for:  Santa Barbara Independent, New Orleans Gambit, The Sentinel, Berkeley Review, Daily Californian, others

Other Freelance clients: FTC, Plus Reserve Hardware, Creme, The Classics RX, THC Design, Red Bull, Amnesty International, Necro, B-Pos, a bunch of other dudes.

Freelance Illustration/Graphic Design

Designing skateboard decks for dozens of multiple board series seasonally and spontaneously throughout each year, tshirt/apparel design, sticker/packaging design, posters for tours, social media promotions, etc.

Graphic Illustrator/Designer

Find out detailed information about Thatcher Hillegas, Graphic Designer/Illustrator in SANTA BARBARA, CA

Thatcher Hillegas: Graphic Designer/Illustrator in SANTA BARBARA, CA

Thatcher Hillegas

DGK / The Kayo Corp.

Personal freelance

SK8MAFIA

Art Institute University

U.C. Berkeley